READ | 7 mental health warning signs to look out for in your children during the coronavirus pandemic, according to experts
Should the safety measures not be in place, workers may not return to work, the unions have stressed.
“Workers will not be expected to report for duty because there will be no safety. The law requires that the employer guarantees a safe workplace for the employees. The unions shall request the minister to regulate or reduce her presentation into a circular with all the details to assist the circuit, districts and head offices on the one-third of the workforce that may return to work, as required under Alert Level 4.”
The unions are also requesting a circular addressing regulations for special schools, pre-schools and employees with pre-existing conditions, among others.
The regulations should also address the treatment of combined schools when both Grade7 and Grade 12 pupils report on the same day at the same school.
“They must further provide clarity on boarding schools as it relates to hostels. All these things are critical to avoid any loss of life,” the statement read.
Previously, unions agreed to meet the minister on 11 May.
However, they say the date has to be brought forward to accommodate the new start date.